Kieran Shirley

My Name is Kieran Shirley. I am 17 years old and have been competing in Archery for the past 3 years. During that time, I have competed in tournaments both nationally and regionally. Progression on to the Archery GB squad is now a real possibility after my breakthrough moment last year where I shot in the Nationals for the first time, took the Bronze medal, broke the County Record and Northern County Record for the round shot, and also gained a personal best. I was overwhelmed with my result!

The Future

Coaching at Archery GB will one day help me to gain the scores I need to achieve my goal of representing Great Britain in the Olympics.

Where you come in

Although the coaching is free, my family and I have to pay for all my kit, travelling and accommodation costs – not easy on top of the usual living expenses and, although my mum and dad do their best for me, we’re finding it hard. Therefore I am seeking support from local orgnisations and businesses like you to provide sponsorship, no matter how small, which could make a huge difference. In return, I’d be delighted to have photographs taken of me in your business, perhaps holding my medals, trophies, or even my bow, which you could display to show how you support local talent and hopefully a future Olympic Champion.

The first time I attended the Junior Outdoor Nationals, I was invited by an Archery GB Coach to attend the Talent Identification Program which this enabled me to improve my skills and pushed me to win. I then gained a place at the Northern Academy for additional training and conditioning throughout the winter season and am looking forward to achieving my goal to represent Great Britain in the Youth Games. Since I was little I have always wanted to shoot: I was intrigued by the sport, how people could shoot an arrow at a target 70 meters away and hit gold all the time. I quickly learned that the only way to have the strength and skills to do the same was to train hard every day, enabling me to gain the stamina needed to compete at top level.

I have worked very hard over the last 3 years and achieved Junior Master Bowman. I love archery and all my spare time is spent either shooting or strength and conditioning and ensuring that my bow is maintained and up to shooting standard. I have been a part of the Northern Academy since October 2015, which I attend every weekend with the Archery GB coaches including Kath Fitzpatrick and former Olympian coach, Lloyd Brown.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

If you have any questions or would like to make a donations/sponsor my ongoing training, please contact myself or my mum at kjsarchery@yahoo.com